Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Vallarta Pride 2018 is just around the corner and celebrates it's sixth year since Pride was first produced in Vallarta. It is truly a collaborative ambrosia of special events produced by many Vallarta businesses and social groups, aided by the promotions umbrella of the Pride 2018 organization.

Here is just a snapshot of some of the highlights. Go to VallartaPride.com for full details on these events and more in this ten day-long celebration.

International March Against Homophobia - Thursday, May 17, 6:00-8:00 pm. Vallarta joins with the world to fight homophobia. Starts off at the Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias and ends at Los Arcos Amphitheater, downtown.

International Sunset Memorial Candlelight March - Sunday, May 20, 8:30-10:00 pm. This event is sponsored by SETAC in remembrance and celebration of lives lost. Procession begins at 8:30 pm behind the Naval Museum, next to Los Arcos Amphitheater. Ceremony begins at 9:00 pm at Plaza Lazaro Cardenas.

Steve Grand Live at Act II Entertainment May 21 & 23 at 7:30 pm, May 26 at 9:30 pm. With over 10 million views on YouTube and a #3 album on The Billboard Independent Artists Charts, country pop singer Steve Grand sold out his run at Act II in advance at the beginning of this year, and now returns for another sellout encore week.

International Film Festival Screening - May 22, 7:00-9:00 pm at Villa Mercedes Hotel. The theme of this original film is "100 Reasons to Celebrate" the creativity and diversity of the LGBT community. Additional showings will be later in the week. Check the Pride website for dates & locations.

LGBT Artwalk - Wednesday, May 23, 6:00-10:00 pm. The fun starts at the Starving Artist Studio Gallery with a free cocktail at the reception. A party created to celebrate and enjoy our local art legacy.

Queens of the Day at Casino Life - Wednesday, May 23, 7:00-12:00 am. Enjoy a Vegas-style drag show with Karla Fifi. Discounted casino coupons and first two national drinks are free. To and from mini-van transportation will be provided by Casino Life from Lazaro Cardenas park on the evening of the event. Follow the event on Facebook.

Pride Parade 2018 - Thursday, May 24, 7:00-9:00 pm. Truly the highlight of the week, this parade sponsored by local businesses and organizations starts at the Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias, journeys along the Malecón and ends at Calle Olas Altas. Thousands of people are expected to line the cobblestone streets to celebrate the city's diversity and 100th birthday. Special guests include Alejandra Bogue, international recording artist; Grand Marshal of Vallarta Pride 2018, recording artist Lorena Herrera; and Puerto Vallarta's local ambassador, Hector Betancourt. Come celebrate the diversity of our city, regardless of the language that you speak, who you love or what you believe.

Block Party on Lazaro Cardenas Street Thursday, May 24, 9:00 pm to 2:00 am. Following the parade, join the fun at "La Fiesta en la Calle" giant Block Party on Lazaro Cardenas Street. The party continues to the wee hours of the morning. Some of the best bars and clubs in Old Town, including Club Fuego, La Noche, La Margarita, Mr. Flamingo, CC Slaughters, Spartacus and Los Muertos Brewing Company, will host the street party. Continuous entertainment on the stage includes featured DJs and drag performers.

Official Women Only Party by Pink & Proud - Friday, May 25, 9:00 pm to 2:00 am. Come enjoy the spectacular roof-top bar at El Sonador with live DJ.

Drag Derby 2018 - Friday, May 25, 5:00-9:00 pm at the corner of Calle Pulpito & Olas Altas. Bet on your favorite drag queen and support the Amapas Neighborhood Association. This event is always full of surprises, live entertainment, great music and hot people.

Lorena Herrera Live - Friday, May 25, 10:00-11:00 pm at Teatro Vallarta. Enjoy a FREE concert with Mexico's pop sensation. Lorena moved with her family to Mexico City, where she began a career as a fashion model. She became highly successful in Mexico, and gained an international reputation, posing for advertisements in Mexico and South America. As a model, she won the "Look of the Year" contest, awarded in Mexico. Lorena then began working in Mexico's low-budget films. She has been involved in more than fifty films since she began her career as an actress in soap operas. She also has created six albums, of which five are studio albums, and one is an album of remixes named Soy (Remix), released in 1997. For her work in the motion picture and recording industries as well as television, Herrera's hand prints were embedded onto the Paseo de las Luminarias in 2012. VIP tickets and packages are available at vallartapride.com, and FREE TICKETS are available first-come first-serve.

Adam & Steve's Pool Party at Casa Cupula - Saturday, May 26, 12:00-7:00 pm. Two weeks left to lose that extra 5 pounds for this men-only, swimsuit optional, pool party with heated salt water pool, bar & grill, hot and sexy beats by the resident DJs at CC Slaughters Nightclub. $250 pesos admission with one free drink.

White Party Puerto Vallarta - Saturday, May 26, 6:00 pm - 1:00 am at Mantamar Beach Club. This is going to be a big one with a Neon Circus theme. Also, don't miss Mantamar's Foam Pool Party the next day from 3:00-10:00 pm.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

I can't close without welcoming some new kids to the gayborhood. Lazaro Cardenas is now home to Katana (we finally have a sushi bar again) and Hardavos, a super chic and sexy roof-top lounge with entertainment and great drinks. And if you are wondering, Paco's Ranch is now under construction for their new location next door to Wet Dreams.